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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

The Great Cities of Spain

Independent 11-day rail trip across 5 Spanish cities

Illustration of The Great Cities of Spain

Railbookers operates this independent, 11-day, 10-night rail journey through five of Spain's great cities on the Renfe network. The trip opens with two nights in Barcelona, including a guided tour of the Sagrada Familia, before a train to Valencia for two nights of Hop-on-Hop-off sightseeing and a small-group paella cooking class. From Valencia, the route heads to Madrid for a single night with a sightseeing pass, then the high-speed Ave train to Seville for two nights, with a guided tour of the cathedral and Alcazar Palace. A direct train reaches Malaga for two nights on the coast, with a climb to the Alcazaba and a visit to the Picasso Museum, before a final train returns travelers to Madrid for one last night. With six hotel stays and a mix of guided tours and self-guided sightseeing passes, the trip suits independent travelers who want a structured but flexible tour of Spain's cities.

What to know before you look closer

  • Madrid is visited twice on this trip, for a single night on day 5 and again for a single night on day 10, rather than one longer stay.
  • The evidence pack lists no specific departure dates for this package; confirm current dates and pricing with Railbookers before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Barcelona

    Your Journey Begins in Barcelona

    Welcome to Barcelona! Make your way from the airport and check-in at your hotel for a two-night stay.

  2. Day 2overnight: Barcelona

    Barcelona

    After breakfast, start your Spanish adventure today with a guided visit to Barcelona's most iconic landmark, the Sagrada Familia. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, learn about Gaudí's extraordinary vision.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Valencia

    Barcelona to Valencia

    Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, then take the train to Valencia. On arrival head to your hotel for a two-night stay then take advantage of your Hop-on-Hop-off pass to explore the city.

  4. Day 4overnight: Valencia

    Valencia

    Continue to make the most of the city with your Hop-on-Hop-off pass today, and be sure to visit the Oceanographic Aquarium. This evening join a three-hour cooking class and master the art of Paella.

  5. Day 5overnight: Madrid

    Valencia to Madrid

    Head north today to Madrid and make your way to your hotel for a one-night stay. Use your Sightseeing pass to visit the Prado museum perhaps or tour the beautiful Royal Palace.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Seville

    Madrid to Seville

    Ride the highspeed Ave train to Seville today, and after checking in at your hotel head out to enjoy this amazing city. Admire the impressive Metropol Parasol. Head over to the Triana neighbourhood for some original Flamenco.

  7. Day 7overnight: Seville

    Seville

    Enjoy a tour of the city today, including entrance to the huge cathedral and magnificent Alcazar Palace. In the evening the Mercado Lonja del Barranco is a great place to enjoy some wonderful food next to the river.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Malaga

    Seville to Malaga

    Head to the coast today onboard the direct train to Malaga, and check-in for a two-night stay. Take a stroll on the beach or take a stroll around the city centre and check out the Roman Amphitheatre.

  9. Day 9overnight: Malaga

    Malaga

    Explore the whole city today with your Hop-on-Hop-off and sightseeing pass. Head up to the Alcazaba and ruined Moorish Gibralfaro. Then head back down into town for the famous Picasso museum housed in the house the famous artist was born.

  10. Day 10overnight: Madrid

    Malaga to Madrid

    Make the short journey back to Madrid for your final night on this vacation. The Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor are the heart of this great city. Stroll the Grand Via and admire its great statues and waterfalls.

  11. Day 11

    Your Journey Ends in Madrid

    Make your way to the airport for your flight home or speak to one of our sales consultants if you would like to extend your holiday elsewhere.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A guided visit to Barcelona's Sagrada Familia, led by a local guide explaining Gaudi's vision.
  • Day 4A three-hour small-group cooking class in Valencia to learn how to make paella.
  • Day 6The high-speed Ave train from Madrid to Seville, followed by the Metropol Parasol and an evening of Flamenco in the Triana neighborhood.
  • Day 7A guided tour of Seville's cathedral and the Alcazar Palace.
  • Day 9A climb up to the Alcazaba and the ruined Moorish Gibralfaro in Malaga, followed by a visit to the Picasso Museum.

Included

  • Rail Travel as per the itinerary
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Barcelona
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Valencia
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Madrid
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Seville
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Malaga
  • Sagrada Familia tour in Barcelona
  • 48hr Hop-on-Hop-off pass in Valencia including Oceanographic Aquarium entrance
  • Small group Paella cooking class
  • Madrid sightseeing pass
  • Small group tour of Seville including the Alcazar and cathedral
  • 24hr Hop-on-Hop-off and sightseeing pass in Malaga

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. Rail travel is included as per the itinerary on Spain's Renfe network, connecting Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid, Seville, and Malaga.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It is an independent rail vacation, though it includes several guided experiences: a Sagrada Familia tour, a paella cooking class, and a Seville city tour.
What sightseeing passes are included?
A 48-hour Hop-on-Hop-off pass in Valencia with Oceanographic Aquarium entrance, a Madrid sightseeing pass, and a 24-hour Hop-on-Hop-off and sightseeing pass in Malaga.
Does the trip end in Madrid?
Yes. After Malaga, the trip returns to Madrid for a final night before departure.
How many nights of hotel accommodation are included?
10 nights with breakfast: 2 each in Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, and Malaga, plus 2 more in Madrid split across two separate one-night stays.

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